UK Government announces ban on sale of ‘wet wood’ as fuel for domestic users
21 February 2020The burning of wet wood (wood that has been cut but not dried) and coal for domestic heating will be banned from 2021 as Government encourages use of less polluting fuels.
The announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is in line with Confor’s response to the government consultation on domestic burning.
“Processing and seasoning high-quality firewood is an important business for many of our members. We recommend customers Buy local – burn local and choose firewood with the Woodsure Ready to Burn label.” said Caroline Ayre, national manager for England for Confor - the trade body for forestry and wood-using businesses.
“Local firewood not only supports UK jobs and the rural economy, it is also crucial to managing our native woodlands. This is vital to ensure these woodlands’ health and existence as carbon stores and biodiversity habitats for the long term.”
The sale of wet wood can continue until February 2021 and the supply and burning of coal will be allowed until 2023 to give the industry time to adapt. After that only less polluting modified fuels and dried wood will be allowed.
"By moving towards the use of cleaner fuels such as dry wood we can all play a part in improving the health of millions of people.This is the latest step in delivering on the challenge we set ourselves in our world-leading Clean Air Strategy." said George Eustice, environment secretary.
